Determining the Impact of a Physiotherapist-Led Primary Care Model for Hip and Knee Pain - A Pilot Trial

This is a pilot cluster randomized controlled trial to to evaluate the individual and health system impacts of implementing a new physiotherapist-led primary care model for hip and knee pain in Canada.

Arthritis is one of the leading causes of pain, disability, and reduced quality of life in patients. Arthritis currently affects one in five Canadians (six million), which is expected to rise to nine million people by 2040. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common forms of arthritis, with hip and knee being two of the most common locations. For most people, the first point of contact for their pain is their primary care provider. Due to the rise in patients seeking support at the primary care level, the shortage of primary care providers, and the high burden on these providers, patients often do not receive timely access to the care they require. A promising strategy is to have an integrated model of care where a physiotherapist (PT) is the first point of contact within interprofessional primary care teams. PTs can provide a comprehensive and efficient management strategy for patients presenting to their primary care provider with hip and knee pain complaints. This study aims to determine the feasibility of conducting a cluster randomized trial in primary care settings in Ontario to evaluate the individual health outcomes and health system impact of implementing a new physiotherapist-led primary care model for people with hip and knee pain. The primary objectives of this pilot study are: 1. Determine the feasibility of participant recruitment, assessment procedures, and retention. 2. Determine the feasibility of implementing a new PT led primary care model for hip and knee pain. 3. Explore the perspectives of patient participants and HCPs related to their experiences and attitudes towards the new service delivery model, barriers/facilitators to implementation, perceived satisfaction, perceived value and impact on clinic processes and patient participant outcomes.